Lifespan TR4000i Treadmill Review - $1,499

EXPERT REVIEW

This is not the best effort that Lifespan has ever put on the market. You are either better off saving money with the $1,000 Lifespan or my selection would be a NordicTrack or Proform model in the same price range. Lifespan had a $300 price cut on this model this year which gives more of a reason to consider this model. With that said, when you see what the competition offers, notably NordicTrack and Proform, you get much more for your money with the competition.

General Information

Lifespan is imported by PCE Fitness, a company that began in 1994 by designing exercise equipment for other companies. They have been known for making some of the best looking designs in the business and are now solidly in the niche area of fitness while you work- like treadmill desks. If you have limited space, this is a good brand to look at with some of the compact units they offer.

Quality / Philosophy

Lifespan is primarily concerned with putting together an acceptable quality parts assortment into an attractive package and they do that very well. They have become much more aggressive with their pricing. Overall, they put good components into a nice package on the value end and better components into their higher end machines where it matters although we haven?t seen good results with some of the light institutional product.

Outlook

We would expect Lifespan to be around for some time. If there is a Rocky Marciano in the fitness business, PCE is it. They have developed an impressive dealer list in a short amount of time and understand the marketing side of this business. That can carry you a long way. When you visit their headquarters, you understand they know how to pinch pennies which really helps in an economic time like this.